Development of Health and Medical Geography: A Systematic Review

The field of Health and Medical Geography has evolved significantly over the past decades, emerging as a critical interdisciplinary domain that integrates spatial analysis with public health, epidemiology, andsocial science. This systematic review examines the evolution and development of health and medical geography, two interconnected subfields within human geography. While medical geography traditionally focuses on the spatial dimensions of disease and healthcare delivery, health geography adopts a broader social model of health, emphasizing well-being and the interrelationship between people and their environments. The review traces the historical progression of these disciplines, highlighting significant milestones from ancient civilizations to contemporary research. By analyzing academic literature from 1981 to 2020, the study identifies key themes, methodological advancements, and interdisciplinary integrations that have shaped these fields over four decades. The findings reveal a shift from early disease mapping and spatial analysis to more complex approaches incorporating Geographic Information Systems (GIS), qualitative methodologies, and social theory. The review also discusses the challenges and opportunities within health and medical geography, offering insights into future directions forresearch. Thus, the study highlights the importance of understanding the geographical dimensions of health in addressing contemporary public health challenges and fostering healthier communities.